San Jose vs Sonoma

Colleges and Universities A-Z California State University - GENERAL
1

I got accepted into both of these schools. I’m having a huge amount of stress from the fact that these are basically my only two options. My school guidance counselor can’t even help me because of the whole covid-19 situation. It’s really hard to communicate right now.

On one hand we have San Jose which I feel like in terms of academics, is better and there’s lots of clubs and organizations. It’s harder to get into so I just assumed that it’s harder in academics. I WANT a challenge, I want to struggle, it will make the feeling of when I pass and finally accomplish my goal so much sweeter. Though I have been doing research and have been reading some not so good reviews on this school. With some saying that it challenges kids in the wrong ways and that it’s super disorganized, graduation rates are low, advisors are overwhelmed, and the academics aren’t that hard. Moreover it’s super expensive. I keep trying to find info on the major I applied to, Public Health, but even the school website for it is kind of bland and sounds so general.

For Sonoma, it’s a lot easier to get into so there’s something telling me that it’s going to be really easy most of the time. Moreover, I feel as though the work I put into high school should be rewarded with a “better” school. Which is why I’m so disappointed with my few options. I applied to here as a Human Development degree.

Now I know what you’re going to say, “just go to a CC and transfer”. I really can’t express how badly I want to leave and go off and see what I can do on my own. Also I don’t want to get stuck here in my home town. How is that fair? I worked twice as hard as the people that never did their homework. For what ? The same outcome and the same school?! That makes no sense! I wanted to get a degree in public health and then get a job, experience, and apply to PA school. Because the Public health Majors cover most of the prerequisites for PA school.

I just really want to go to SJSU but I want to go knowing that it’s a good school and that I made a good choice and that I know. Will be worth it! For God’s sake I can’t even visit the campus right now because of the virus.

Send help I’m dying. Thank you.

2

IMHO, Sonoma is the hidden jewel of the CSU system, It is smaller than most CSUs, highly residential and is in a great location. Small GE classes, decent For most programs an EI around 3300 will get you into SSU so, it is somewhat selective (roughly 2.75 and 1100)

SJSU is HUGE, so, no question there’s a variety of clubs/activities. It also has a lot of commuters - which means there are fewer people hanging out on and near campus is a lot lower, though really selective for some programs like CS, not so for others. Public health, your major, required just a 2950 EI (the euivelant of 2.3 GPA and 1100 SAT)
https://www.sjsu.edu/admissions/impaction/impactionresultsfreshmen/index.html

Though both campuses are closed - they don’t have fences around them. I would find a way to visit both campuses - do a self guided tour. You will probably find a few students nearby you can chat with about their experience.

3

What is your FA package for each school? SJSU would be more expensive if you move off campus after Freshman year vs. Sonoma. As stated by @NCalRent, you would have a more typical college experience at Sonoma vs. SJSU which has a large commuter feel.

Have you compared the courses available for your major at each school? You are attending a college for the academics so make sure each school’s program meets your academic and career objectives. Since Public Health jobs usually require Grad school, having a good GPA will be needed to apply to Graduate school so pick the school where you have a chance to excel.

There are advantages of being a Big Fish in a Small Pond and do not fool yourself that Sonoma would be easier academically than San Jose. Both will be challenging.

4

Sonoma State has an undeserved “Safety School” stigma for all the wrong reasons. Yes, it is true that it is less competitive to get into than other CSU’s, but much of that has to do with the fact that the campus is not particularly impacted. Students who meet the EI threshold for CSU admission are usually accepted because there is not a great demand. Additionally, a relatively low percentage of students who are admitted actually enroll in the school so it over-accepts making it look less selective. It’s a small (beautiful) campus in a relatively out of the way (again, beautiful) place. It’s not an “easy” school, nor is it “lesser” than other CSU’s as far as the quality of the education.

A case in point: I graduated from Sonoma State in 1993 with a degree in English. My son is a current English major at Cal Poly SLO. I often check in with him to see which books he is reading, the assignments /essays he is working on, and how his professors are interacting with him. I can tell you that Cal Poly does an outstanding job of educating its English majors. How do I know? Because it looks almost exactly like the quality education I received from Sonoma State almost 30 years ago. Choice pieces of literature, rigorous and engaging assignments, and approachable professors. My degree in English from SSU has served me well through my 26 year teaching career where I rub elbows with graduates from UCLA, Berkeley, UC San Diego, numerous private universities, and the like.

Obviously, that is just one major out of the dozens offered. Additionally, there are certainly majors leading to career paths that benefit from certain locations or the particular quality of a department. That’s where every individual has to do their own research. But don’t be off-put because “lesser” students were admitted. You can still pursue personal excellence and quality academic growth at SSU as well as you could anywhere else.

5

Hello I’m back. I started online school this week so I’ve been busy with that and haven’t been able to reply to these.
Anyways, do you guys know much about eh Human Development Program at Sonoma, or the Public Health degree at SJSU? I have searched far and wide on the internet and for SJSU it always takes me to the actual student health services which is not a degree but rather a clinic I guess ? Or they speak of some other degree at SJSU.
Anyone know which location would be better for post grad job opportunities ? I’m leaning for towards SJSU and am reading into the whole idea of the school being a “commuter school”. BUT that there’s so much extracurricular stuff and other activities to do that it doesn’t matter. Basically, like in life, you get what you put into it.
I still have questions, I don’t know whether living on or off campus would be cheaper? Some people are saying this and other people are saying that so I don’t know anymore.

6

@“Classiest2002@me”
I will start with the housing. According the SJSU website, if you are outside a 30 mile radius from campus, you as a Freshman are required to live on campus.

**
Fall 2020 Freshmen Live-On Requirement
All admitted first-time freshmen who graduated from a high school outside a 30 mile radius of SJSU are required to live on campus for their first year.**

Estimate of living on-campus: https://www.housing.sjsu.edu/docs/2020-2021-ay-license-materials/Fall_2020_Classics_Triple.pdf

Your costs will vary depending upon which housing, double/triple room configuration and which meal plan to select.

For off-campus housing the estimate is about $1000/year cheaper, but again it depends upon how many students are sharing the room/apartment and how much you will spend on groceries, utilities, internet etc… I suggest you try Apartments.com and look at prices of apartments in the San Jose area to get an idea of costs.

You can live on campus if room is available as a Sophomore and Junior.

Here is the 4 year roadmap for the Public Health major at SJSU. You will need to look up the course names in the SJSU course catalog. http://www.sjsu.edu/advising/roadmaps/myroadmaps-18-19/roadmaps_18-19/BS_PH_Roadmap1819.pdf

Another link to Public Health program courses: http://info.sjsu.edu/web-dbgen/catalog/departments/HS-section-1.html

Sonoma’s Human Development program:
**The Human Development major is designed to provide students with a comprehensive grounding in theoretical approaches to human development across the life span in comparative cross-species, cross-cultural, and multicultural, as well as class and gender perspectives. The Human Development major is interdisciplinary, meaning it draws on theories and concepts from multiple disciplines, including: Anthropology, Biology, Education, Gerontology, Nursing, Psychology, Sociology, and Women’s & Gender Studies.

A B.A. in Human Development will help prepare students for professional, managerial, service, and educational careers in human development and human services serving infants, children, adolescents, families, and elders.**

Link for the courses in the Human Development major: http://hd.sonoma.edu/degree-programs/ba-human-development

What is your post grad career goal with either of these programs?

7

I’m still looking for post grad ideas because I don’t exactly know (YET) what jobs PA schools look for in experience.
I have more questions: how hard will a bs in public health be? Any specifics for the rigor at SJSU? I like a challenge so I’m not trying to be like “ew I don’t want to do it if it’s hard”. Speaking of pa school though, what kind of experience DO they look for. I am doing some research right now but I could use all the help I can get. Any recommendations for a future college student in general. Is Public Health considered a STEM major ? What courses should I take in college to apply to pa school (I already know a big bunch but I can always learn something new by asking).

8

What jobs can I get with a Public Health degree that will give me medical /healthcare field experience, that’s also hands on or not

9

PA school requirements and ideas to get your hands on experience.

Pre-requisite courses:
General Chemistry I with lab
General Chemistry II with lab
Organic Chemistry with lab,
Human Anatomy or Anatomy and Physiology I
Human Physiology or Anatomy & Physiology II
General Biology with lab
Biochemistry
Microbiology with lab
College Algebra or Statistics
Psychology
Developmental Psychology
Anthropology or Sociology
Medical Terminology

Patient care (hands on) experience gained via work or volunteer time as a CNA, EMT, CMA, medical technician, or in hospice care
Shadowing of a physician assistant
Community service

Did you look at the course curriculum for PH at SJSU that I linked? You can see the PA school requirements so make sure you love love Chemistry and the sciences.

Public Health jobs usually require a Masters degree. I suggest you look into getting your CNA or EMT certification to go with your PH undergrad degree. If you do not get accepted into PA school, then you can continue with Grad school for your Masters.

10

So let’s say I also had a minor, and let’s say they are some of those classes you listed (because no major has a direct path that covers all requirements) will those classes count for covering PA school app requirements? Or does it have to be part of your actual major to count and fulfill? How much more money & coursework would a minor take? My bigger concern is money, not course work because if I enjoy it I’ll actually strive to put the effort into it.

OH! Also admission appeals! I’m considering doing that for like one or two schools. I have VALID reasons and before anyone says that most admission decisions aren’t changed–yes I know. However, I personally feel like it is necessary. Just in case. Do you know if by some miracle they did change it, would I still be able to qualify for their EOP Program still? I doubt it but hey who knows…

11

Also if I choose not to get a minor, but instead just take classes that my major curriculum doesn’t cover, will those classes outside my major count towards being able to fulfill my PA school requirements? I would assume so but I don’t know. Will it make it so that I don’t graduate on time? can’t I just take it over the summer and still graduate on time? Benefits of taking classes over the summer?
Thank you in advance for answering all of my questions. I know I ask a LOT.

12

Oh, wait I did some research and I also looked at the roadmap you @Gumbymom sent me for SJSU and it states multiple times “university electives” and “upper-division electives” which I think I can just use to take the science-related courses that count to my degree that are also required for PA school. Correct?

13

Yes.

14

You can take your General Ed requirements over the summer to help make room for the PA school requirements and still graduate on time if you plan your schedule carefully. You can take the GE courses at you local CC to save money, but do not take any of the PA required courses at a CC. They prefer the PA required courses be taken at a 4 year university. I would not pursue a minor if it means extra time at the university.

Appealing a decision is fine as long as you know the odds are low for having a successful appeal approved. You will still need to enroll in a college by May 1 and appeal decisions could take well into the summer. Regarding EOP, it will depend if you are accepted on appeal and if there is room for you in the program.

15

Oh my gosh thank you!

16

I got into Sonoma’s and San Jose’s EOP programs but I think I’m going to go with SJSU. Although I still want to ask for advice on it just in case you know anything about the EOP.

17

I do not have any first hand experience with EOP but since you were accepted into the program, it should not matter which campus you attend to take advantage of all the resources that are available through the program.

Just remember no one is going to hand you these opportunities, it is up to you utilize and seek them out.

SJSU is a good option and best of luck.

18

Thank you! Also I know I’m not the type to get things handed to me so it’s ok. I’m back with more questions!!
Okay so: At SJSU there is orinetation which I think is also called “Sparta Camp” and it’s going to be online this year which is fine I don’t care. So these are all the dates:

2020 Sparta Camp Session Dates
Session 1: Thursday & Friday, June 11 & 12, 2020
Session 2: Friday & Saturday, June 19 & 20, 2020
Session 3: Thursday & Friday, June 25 & 26, 2020
Session 4: Tuesday & Wednesday, June 30 & July 1, 2020
Session 5: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 7 & 8, 2020
Session 6: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 14 & 15, 2020
Session 7: Tuesday & Wednesday, July 28 & 29, 2020

on my “Next Steps” section in my sjsu portal, I clicked on the very first one and so I don’t know if that is the same as the top one? Why would they have me chooose a date if these are all avaiable? Also, are these the dates freshsmen REGISTER for their classes? That’s my biggest concern. I was on REddit and the upper classmen have registration dates as early as April and May but then I figured it was because they weren’t freshmen. I just really want to make a good schedule and don’t want the good classes to fill up.

19

Also when will I recieve my fiancial aid package

20

If you clicked on the first session, doesn’t it have a date next to the Session?

They give different dates since there is a limit on how many students will be able to virtually attend each session. They are giving an option for which dates work best for you.

Yes, you will be registering for classes.

Please read the information below:

**All admitted students must attend one virtual Sparta Camp session, and participate for the entire duration of the program, which will run for two (2) days. Day 1 begins with check-in at 9:00 am and ends at 12:00 pm. Here you will get an official campus welcome, hear from various departments including Financial Aid and the Office of Diversity Equity and Inclusion, and get a chance to connect with your Orientation Leader. Day 2 will also begin at 9:00 am and will end once you are done with your advising and course registration overview. Here you will get an opportunity to meet with your college success center and learn about academic requirements at SJSU.

Sparta Camp is mandatory and attendance will be recorded. If you do not attend, or if you leave during any portion of the event, you will be blocked from registering for classes and will NOT be able to attend SJSU in Fall 2020.

Changing your Session
You may change your session in your Next Steps student portal. Unfortunately, AFTER the May 1 deadline, we will be unable to accommodate changes to Sparta Camp sessions. If you have an emergency, please contact us at frosh-orientation@sjsu.edu.

Before Attending Sparta Camp
Complete the Reflection on College Writing Assignment on your Canvas page
Complete Spartan Link Online Orientation Module
Review your confirmation letter sent to your MySJSU Messages one week prior to your Sparta Camp session
Participate in Sparta Camp (Frosh Orientation)!
Complete online Title IX training courses.
What to Expect at Sparta Camp
Discuss and explain key university services.
Present a General Education advising workshop including information about how to create your first semester schedule.
Facilitate connections with other staff, faculty and your fellow incoming students.
Provide access to various on-campus resources and facilities, including our new Spartan Recreation and Aquatic Center.
You will receive a confirmation letter one week prior to your session with more information. Please check your MySJSU Messages through your OneSJSU Student Portal.

For more information please visit our Frequently Asked Questions page or contact us at frosh-orientation@sjsu.edu or 408-924-5972.**

Regarding financial aid, I would contact the Financial aid office since you should have gotten your FA package by now. Your FA package should be in MySJSU.